Second-wave feminism

Definition

Second-wave feminism refers to a period of feminist activism that emerged in the early 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues beyond just suffrage, including workplace rights, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave sought to address systemic inequalities and expand the roles of women in society, promoting gender equality through legislative and social change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second-wave feminism focused on issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, family roles, and sexuality, marking a significant shift from the first wave's emphasis on suffrage.
2. The movement led to the establishment of numerous organizations advocating for women's rights, such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) founded in 1966.
3. Key events included protests, consciousness-raising groups, and legislative lobbying, which resulted in significant changes like the passing of the Equal Pay Act and Title IX.
4. Second-wave feminism also brought attention to intersectionality, recognizing how race, class, and other identities impact women's experiences and challenges.
5. The feminist literature of this period, including works like Betty Friedan's 'The Feminine Mystique,' helped ignite discussions about women's dissatisfaction with traditional gender roles.

Review Questions

• How did second-wave feminism differ from first-wave feminism in its goals and areas of focus?
  • Second-wave feminism expanded beyond the first wave's focus on suffrage by addressing a wider array of issues related to gender equality. While the first wave primarily sought voting rights for women, the second wave tackled systemic inequalities in various areas including employment, reproductive rights, and sexuality. This broader focus helped to highlight societal norms that restricted women's roles and led to significant legislative changes aimed at improving women's status.
• What were some major achievements of second-wave feminism in terms of gender equality policies?
  • Second-wave feminism achieved several important milestones that helped shape gender equality policies. Key accomplishments included the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, which aimed to eliminate wage disparities based on sex, and Title IX in 1972, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in educational programs. These laws not only advanced women's rights but also laid the groundwork for ongoing advocacy for gender equality in various sectors.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of second-wave feminism on contemporary discussions about gender equality.
  • The long-term impact of second-wave feminism is evident in today's ongoing discussions about gender equality, as it set the stage for subsequent movements advocating for diverse issues such as intersectionality and LGBTQ+ rights. By challenging traditional gender norms and pushing for legal reforms, second-wave feminists opened doors for future generations to advocate for broader social justice. The frameworks established during this period continue to influence current policies and debates surrounding workplace equality, reproductive rights, and societal perceptions of gender roles.

Related terms

Equal Pay Act:

A landmark law passed in 1963 aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex, ensuring that men and women receive equal pay for equal work.

Title IX:

A federal law enacted in 1972 prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any school or educational program receiving federal funding, significantly impacting gender equality in education and athletics.

Reproductive Rights: Rights related to the reproductive health of individuals, including access to contraception, abortion services, and the right to make decisions about one's own body.